At Midnight: Seeing Victory in Your SituationEsimerkki

GONE “It wasn’t for nothing that you shed your blood So I’m gonna live like my shame is gone Won’t be shackled to the way I was I’m gonna live like my chains are Gone” For the most part, we realize that Jesus wants to free us –– to fight for us, move on our behalf, and lead us into victory. Scripture tells us... “He forgives us of our sins.” “He takes away our shame.” “He cleanses us of unrighteousness.” But just because these truths are in our Bible, it doesn't mean they’re automatically in our hearts. The chains of anxiety, fear, and regret can often get in our way and hold us down. In the book of Acts, Paul and Silas were not only dealing with these metaphorical chains, they were shackled by literal ones. They were in prison for sharing the gospel and had every excuse to remain enslaved by their situation. After worshiping in their cell, however, their situation began to shift: “ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” Acts 16:25-26 At this moment, even though their chains had fallen off, Paul and Silas still had a decision to make. Would they choose to live like they were truly free and continue on their mission? Or would they play it safe and stay enslaved by their circumstances? Judging by their decision to fearlessly share the gospel with the guard who had just imprisoned them, Paul and Silas made the choice to live in freedom of spirit even though their bodies were still in bondage (Acts 16:27-34). Instead of playing it safe, they decided to lean even deeper into their purpose. Today, whether it’s situation, a circumstance, or a mindset you’ve been set free from, don’t forget that there’s another step. You must also make the brave choice to live like you’ve been set free.